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I never thought that I'd live to see this day. I grew up in a family of Cubs fanatics in Park Ridge, a suburb on Chicago's northwest side. My dad, who would have been 100 this year (he...

A two percent surcharge on successful classified sales sounds entirely reasonable to me, especially considering the extra mile that Scott and Dan seem to be willing to go to resolve seller/buyer...

A recent web search turned up a charming documentary, "Remembering Rafu Mandolin Club," by David Osako about a Japanese-American mandolin orchestra that was popular in the Los Angeles area in the...

I'm kind of surprised that this whole issue hasn't surfaced long before now. Regardless of what one thinks of Gibson (my opinion: great shop team and instruments since the Charles Derrington days;...

I received a Martin email the other day about the new 2015 models. Like other posters here, I did a double-take when I saw the CEO-8. But I don't see any joke-on-Henry conspiracy here. It may be...

How cool is that?!? I wonder what kind of music MonteRock's father played. It looks like an early country or rockabilly machine.

I'm really looking forward to Joe's book, too. But I already have a couple of questions based on the discussion in this thread. If the FON is linked to the date of production and the serial number...

I also like the new "F4," even if it's not the classic short-neck version. Since vintage F4s (unlike vintage F5s) are still relatively plentiful/affordable, the new version is likely aimed at the...

Bernie,

Yes, the Gold Rush has slightly smaller F-holes. By the way, I wasn't charged anything extra for ordering my mandolin with a wider neck. (I ordered it through Mandolin Bros.) And the...

Hi All,

I ordered a custom Gold Rush mandolin about a year ago. It has a 1 3/16 nut width and a rounded neck. Oddly enough, it also lacks a pickguard and has a one-piece back--appointments that...

Business Week yesterday (12 December) identified the underbidder for the headstock as the International Bluegrass Music Museum. The article includes an interesting conversation with museum director...

Scott,

Please change my user name from Robt. Sayers to Bob Sayers. No need to be so formal.

Bob

I'd been lusting after a pumpkin top F-4 for several years, especially after seeing a couple posted by Mandolin Cafe members. #But then this 1915 F-2 came along and I just couldn't resist it. #It's...

Thanks, John. I love the Benson model, too. Mine is number 3 of 50. The narrow V-neck has taken some getting used to (especially compared with the wide F-2 neck); but it sounds wonderful.

Bob

Here's my current pair. Love those Gibson colors!

Bob

Been meaning to post this for awhile. Found it in the pumpkin patch last Halloween morning.

Bob

Thanks for the interesting discussion, guys. I love the pictures!

Bob

I'm a fan of Pennsylvania cabinetmaker George Nakashima who famously exploited the beauty of wood with cracks, knots, and other "imperfections." #I'm wondering if any musical instrument makers have...

Quote: I've always found it curiously ironic that the revival of BG/OT music was forged in the "green pastures of Harvard University" and the canyons of New York City.

Cambridge and NYC might have...

I, too, have fairly short, stubby fingers (fortunately, that doesn't describe the rest of me!) and tend to find a round neck more comfortable than a V-neck. #

I'm finding that the love of my...

In the "there's always hope for us old guys" department: I was astonished and delighted to learn recently that an old buddy of mine from high school, Lee Kaufmann, is now playing banjo in a...

The great oldtime banjo player and entertainer Uncle Dave Macon started his professional career at age 50 and by 56 was a star of the Grand Ole Opry. Of course, there's only one Uncle Dave.

Bob

I think some talented designer at Gibson in the early teens "tightened up" Orville's mandolin and guitar designs, smoothing out the curves, better balancing the masses, eliminating "busy" elements...

I received the advertisement for Gibson's robot guitar last month and was speculating with a friend whether it changed the pitch mechanically (a little motor in each peg housing relaxes the string...

Just think of the looks you'll get when you show up at a festival with this thing. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif